Latest related coverage

One of Steve Irwin's close friends and business partners today
described the Crocodile Hunter as a wildlife icon who died doing
what he loved best.

Mr Irwin, 44, died today after he was fatally wounded by a
stingray barb to his heart while filming a sequence on Batt Reef
off Port Douglas for his daughter's new TV series.

Mr Irwin's producer and closest friend, John Stainton, said
emergency services were called from Cairns Rescue Base and met
Croc One - Mr Irwin's rescue vessel - at Low Isle on the
Great Barrier Reef.

He said the boat's crew performed CPR on Mr Irwin during the
30-minute run to Low Isle, but medics pronounced him dead about
noon.

"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate
conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet. He died
doing what he loves best and left this world in a happy and
peaceful state of mind," said Mr Stainton in a statement.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Mr Irwin's Australia Zoo said it was
probably the worst day any of the staff had experienced.

Describing the zoo as "one huge family", he said more than 500
people a day thanked Mr Irwin for his friendship.

"His wife has lost a husband and he's got two kids. And at the
end, that's the all of it," he said.

Tasmania Police this afternoon confirmed Mr Irwin's
American-born wife Terri was travelling in Tasmania, where she is
reported to be trekking on Cradle Mountain.

A spokeswoman said police had made contact with Mrs Irwin and
"passed on a message relating to the death of her husband".

'A bloody good bloke'

Tourists joined locals to pay tribute by leaving bouquets of
flowers at the front entrance of the zoo at Beerwah made famous by
the naturalist and media personality.

Rod Cameron of Brisbane said he rushed to the zoo as soon as he
heard the tragic news.

"We heard the news ... it's very sad and we are very upset.
Australia just lost a bloody good bloke," he said.

"We grew up in Brisbane, followed his career. We just thought he
was a good guy for what he did for Australia.

"He put us on the map, I reckon."

Mr Irwin was famous for his enthusiasm for wildlife and his
catchcry "Crikey!"

The Crocodile Hunter was first broadcast in 1992 and has
been shown around the world on cable network Discovery.

theage.com.au, with AAP

When you see news happening: SMS/MMS: 0406 THE AGE (0406 843 243), or email us. More